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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 ways Russell Westbrook would help the Lakers

By Jonathan Kiernan

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 18: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reacts during the first half of a game in the play-in tournament against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 18: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards reacts during the first half of a game in the play-in tournament against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Russell Westbrook is an elite rebounder

Russell Westbrook isn’t just an elite rebounder for his position. He is an elite rebounder period.

On his current trajectory, he will surpass both Oscar Robertson and Jason Kidd with the most rebounds for a point guard in NBA history by the end of his career.

That is astonishing.

He already holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history with 184 and counting!!!

Helping out LeBron has been the main focal point of this article to date, what about helping Anthony Davis?

If Russ can crash the boards and stop Davis from needing to expend unneeded energy that has to be considered a win for the purple and gold.

Have the Lakers big men box out and allow for Russ to pick up board after board.

If LeBron James and Anthony Davis can be as fresh as possible going into the playoffs simply because Russell Westbrook took some of the load off their shoulders, then the purple and gold will benefit greatly from that.

There will absolutely have to be adjustments made in order to maximize Westbrook’s effectiveness but Dennis Schröder has some similarities to his game that Westbrook does. Both have elite speed, both are at their best when diving to the rim and both are ineffective from the 3-point line.

Adjusts will be made but there is far too much upside to simply dismiss Russell Westbrook as a non-factor to trade for.

The Los Angeles Lakers could use what Russell Westbrook has. They could use his heart, his tenacity, and his will to win.

While the contract is massive, it does become an expiring contract after the next season. If the experiment fails, they haven’t much time left on his contract and will open up considerable cap space when his contract expires.

His contract also coincides with LeBron’s meaning that in two years’ time the Lakers could have a glut of cap space.

The Lakers do not part with Talen Horton Tucker, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, or their 1st round draft pick. These assets can be used to potentially bring another talent to the Lakers.

The Lakers also are not hard-capped as they are not receiving a sign and trade player but an established player with a pre-existing contract.

Next. Lakers find Schroder's replacement in 2021 mock draft. dark

The Lakers should look to make numerous moves this off-season. Westbrook could be the first move of many.

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